Can Dogs Eat Popcorn?

There’s nothing better than sitting down in front of the TV with a big bowl of popcorn, ready to watch your favorite movie – but are our dogs allowed to join the fun too? Find out all about can dogs eat popcorn and if it’s safe for your pup, here.

Movie night isn’t complete without a big bowl of our favorite popcorn. It’s the perfect, easy snack as it only takes moments in a microwave and it’s a fairly healthy treat for us humans, containing high-fiber whole grains. While we sit on the sofa consuming handful after handful, it’s easy for us to drop pieces of popcorn, where our dogs will be waiting all too eagerly to gobble it up. But this does beg the question, can dogs eat popcorn?

We’ve put together this guide to whether dogs can have popcorn to answer all your questions. Keep reading to find out whether your dog can join in with the next movie night snacks or not.

Can Dogs Eat Popcorn?

Yes, but only in certain circumstances. Dogs can eat popcorn in small amounts but only if it’s unseasoned and it should only be given as a treat on the odd occasion. It’s also important to remember to follow healthy feeding guidelines and ensure that treats only make up 10% or less of their daily calorie content.

Is Popcorn Good for Dogs?

While popcorn isn’t bad for dogs, it isn’t necessarily that good for them either. Corn kernels do contain minerals including magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, zinc, fiber and trace amounts of vitamins, but these are all things your dog should be getting from their daily food anyway, providing you feed a complete and balanced diet of high-quality dog food.

Dogs can eat popcorn as long as it’s plain and air-popped popcorn, and only eaten in moderation. However, any added seasonings we love to slather on top which can be bad for dogs, and you shouldn’t feed them this type of popcorn.

Typically, we’ll drizzle butter, salt, sugar or sometimes even caramel on popcorn – these toppings are high in fat, salt and sodium and having too much can cause stomach upset, dehydration and can lead to certain health issues such as obesity.

You should also be wary as unpopped or even partially popped kernels can become a choking hazard or may get stuck between your dog’s teeth, which you’ll likely know from experience can be quite uncomfortable!

Another factor with feeding dogs popcorn is that corn is a common food allergy for dogs. If you know your dog has a sensitivity, never give them popcorn as it could result in reactions such as stomach upset, gas and diarrhea.

How Should I Feed My Dog Popcorn?

If you want your dog to have a small amount of popcorn with you, always ensure that it’s plain and air-popped only. Air-popping is super simple, you can easily do it in a popcorn machine, microwave or on the stove.

Once you’ve finishing popping, make sure you remove the partially popped kernels and only offer them a few. Never give your dog popcorn with added toppings and if you want to add these to your portion, remove the small amount for your dog first, then add your chosen additions later.

For more expert tips on dog feeding, explore our other what can dogs eat articles.